The RRAPID Approach
The RRAPID approach promotes the identification of patients at risk of acute illness and deterioration followed by the appropriate response. It revolves around the traditional ABCDE approach:
- Airway
- Breathing
- Circulation
- Disability
- Exposure
Start with looking at the patient from the end of the bed to get a general impression and decide if the patient ‘looks ill’.
Life-threatening problems must be treated first before moving on to the next system and regularly reassess.
If the patient is not breathing and does not have a pulse – start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately and call for help.
Following the initial recognition and response to acute illness it is important that the patient has a comprehensive management plan to allow continued recovery.